I can now honestly see the light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel, with the "pain in the ass" work out of the way, we're now able to complete the engine compartment and begin to focus on the motor.
The battery tray area was difficult and thanks to Mike's expertise it looks like it never had an issue.
We decided to remove the K-Frame before painting and we're literally a rear end away from a rotisserie! (I would have done it that way had I been able to afford it)
The engine bay should be painted this week and suspension reassembled- and then motor time!